Where is St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, USA

Written and fact-checked by | Updated On: February 09, 2026 06:15 AM ET

St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, is located off the southern coast of Alaska in the Pacific Ocean. It lies within the Channel Islands, about 30 km (20 miles) west of Ventura, and is part of Channel Islands National Park.

St. Lawrence Island Location Map

Where is St. Lawrence Island

Google Map of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, United States

About St. Lawrence Island

St. Lawrence Island is located in western Alaska, United States, in the Bering Sea between Alaska and Siberia. The island lies south of the Seward Peninsula and west of mainland Alaska, closer to Russia than most parts of the U.S.

Geographically, St. Lawrence Island is situated at approximately 63.5000° North latitude and 170.0000° West longitude. It is separated from the Alaska mainland by the Bering Sea and sits just south of the Bering Strait. Nearby locations include the city of Nome to the southeast and the Chukotka Peninsula of Russia to the west.

According to recent U.S. Census data, St. Lawrence Island has a population of around 1,400 residents, most of whom live in the communities of Gambell and Savoonga. The island covers a total land area of about 1,791 square miles (4,640 square kilometers).

St. Lawrence Island is best known for its strong Yupik culture, remote Arctic environment, and wildlife-rich landscapes. The island plays an important role in subsistence hunting and is recognized for its cultural heritage and strategic location in the Bering Sea.

St. Lawrence Island Facts

Island NameSt. Lawrence Island
Native NamesSivuqaq (Central Siberian Yupik)
CountryUnited States of America
ContinentNorth America
StateAlaska
County / BoroughNome Census Area
LocationBering Sea, south of the Bering Strait, southwest of mainland Alaska
CoordinatesApprox. 63.40° N, 170.30° W
AreaApproximately 1,791 sq mi (4,640 Sq Km)
LengthAbout 90 miles (145 km)
WidthUp to 36 miles (58 km)
Highest PointMount Atuk - 2,142 ft (653 m)
PopulationApprox. 1,400 residents
Administrative StatusInhabited island within the State of Alaska
OwnershipAlaska Native corporations and local tribal ownership
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
Calling / Area Code907
ZIP Code99744 (Gambell), 99762 (Savoonga)
Time ZoneAlaska Time Zone - UTC -9 (AKST), UTC -8 (AKDT)
ClimateSubarctic maritime climate with long, cold winters
GeographyTundra-covered terrain, volcanic hills, coastal lagoons
Famous LandmarkCape Nome and extensive coastal bird cliffs
Flora & FaunaSeabirds, walrus, seals, whales, tundra vegetation
Tourist ActivitiesCultural visits, birdwatching, wildlife observation (limited)
AccessAir service via Gambell and Savoonga airports
Famous ForYupik culture, proximity to Russia, rich marine wildlife

Attractions in St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

  • Gambell - Traditional Yupik village known for subsistence lifestyle, bird hunting, and cultural heritage.
  • Savoonga - Coastal community often called the “Walrus Capital of the World,” famous for marine hunting traditions.
  • Yupik Cultural Heritage - Rich Indigenous culture expressed through language, dance, carving, and subsistence practices.
  • Bering Sea Coastline - Rugged shoreline offering sweeping ocean views and dramatic Arctic scenery.
  • Walrus Haul-Out Areas - Seasonal coastal sites where walruses gather, an important ecological and cultural feature.
  • Bird Cliffs - World-class seabird nesting areas attracting thousands of migratory birds.
  • Tundra Landscapes - Vast open tundra featuring wildflowers, rolling hills, and expansive horizons.
  • Sivuqaq Mountain - Prominent volcanic peak overlooking Gambell and the surrounding coastline.
  • Archaeological Sites - Ancient remains reflecting thousands of years of human settlement and Arctic adaptation.
  • Remote Arctic Wilderness - Isolated environment offering unparalleled solitude and untouched natural beauty.

Distance from St. Lawrence Island to Alaska Cities

  • Gambell, St. Lawrence Island - 0 km (0 miles)
  • Savoonga, St. Lawrence Island - 65 km (40 miles)
  • Wales, Alaska - 145 km (90 miles)
  • Nome, Alaska - 230 km (143 miles)
  • Unalakleet, Alaska - 390 km (242 miles)
  • Kotzebue, Alaska - 520 km (323 miles)
  • Bethel, Alaska - 670 km (416 miles)
  • Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska - 860 km (534 miles)
  • Fairbanks, Alaska - 1,020 km (634 miles)
  • Anchorage, Alaska - 1,150 km (714 miles)